How saving works: tap a Save button. A print screen opens. On a computer, pick Save as PDF. On an iPhone, tap the Share button, then Save to Files. On Android, pick Save as PDF at the top.
A note before we start
I first made this guide for my mom. I wanted her to have what I have when I use AI: a helper that makes everyday life a little easier and a lot less stressful.
Then I thought of all the other moms, dads, and grandparents who might feel left behind by all this new tech. If it feels scary or confusing, I understand. That is not you. Most tech is just not made with you in mind. This guide is.
So I am sharing it with you, too. I wrote it the way I talk to my mom. Simple words. One step at a time. No rushing.
By the end, you will know how to:
Talk to AI out loud, like a friend, with no typing.
Understand your medicine and your doctor's notes.
Spot scams, save money, and keep what you learn.
Every tip ends with one small step. Do just that one step. That is how you learn this. You already have what it takes.
With love, Jennifer
0 of 26 tips done
Part 1
Start Here
AI is a helper that lives in your phone or computer. You ask it things. It answers in plain words. It never gets tired of you. It never makes you feel silly. That is all it is.
Tip 1
Get Your Helper
You only need one. I use Claude, so I will show you Claude first. ChatGPT works the same way. Both are free to start.
On your phone or tablet
Open the App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android).
Tap the search box. Say or type: Claude.
Pick the one made by Anthropic. Tap Get or Install.
Open it. Sign up with your email.
Want ChatGPT instead? Search ChatGPT. Pick the one made by OpenAI.
On your computer
Open your internet browser.
Go to claude.ai (or chatgpt.com).
Click Sign up. Use your email.
You will see a box that says something like Message Claude. That box is where you talk to it.
Your one step today
Get the Claude app today. Just sign in. That is a win.
Tip 2
Say Hello for the First Time
You do not need special words. Talk to it like you talk to a friend. Here is the best first thing to say. It tells your helper how to talk to you.
On your phone or tablet
Open the app.
Tap the message box at the bottom.
Type or say the words in the green box below.
Tap the arrow to send.
On your computer
Go to claude.ai.
Click the message box.
Copy the words below. Paste them in. Press Enter.
Say or type this
Hi. I am new to this. Please talk to me in short, simple words. Give me one step at a time and wait until I say done before you give me the next step.
Your one step today
Send that message. Then ask one thing you have always wondered about.
Tip 3
Three Words That Fix Everything
If an answer is too long or too hard, you do not have to struggle. You can ask again. You are the boss here.
How to do it
Answer too hard? Say: Make that simpler.
Answer too long? Say: Make it shorter.
Lost? Say: Start over, one step at a time.
Say or type this
Make that simpler, please.
Say or type this
Explain it like you are talking to your mom.
Your one step today
Next time an answer feels hard, say make that simpler. Watch what happens.
Part 2
For Shaky Hands
Hands that shake, hurt, or get tired can make a phone hard to use. Tiny buttons. Screens that will not hold still. These tips make it easier. You do not need steady hands to use AI. You can use your voice.
Tip 4
How to Talk to ChatGPT Out Loud
This is the most important tip in this guide. You can talk to Claude and ChatGPT out loud. They talk back. No typing. No tiny letters.
On your phone or tablet
Open the Claude app.
Look at the message box. Next to the microphone, find the button with little up and down lines. It looks like a sound wave.
Tap it once. Now just talk.
Claude answers out loud. Talk back when it is done.
In the ChatGPT app, the sound wave button is at the bottom right. It works the same way.
Only want to say a few words, not have a talk? Tap the microphone instead. Say your words. They show up in the box. Tap send.
On your computer
Windows computer: click in the message box. Press the Windows key and the H key at the same time. Now talk. Your words will type themselves.
Mac computer: click in the message box. Press the fn key (it may show a little globe) two times. Now talk.
Some screens also show a small microphone in the message box. You can click that.
Say or type this
Please keep your answers short so I can listen easily.
Your one step today
Tap the sound wave button one time today. Say: Hello, can you hear me?
Tip 5
Phone Settings for Shaky Hands
Your phone can learn to wait for a real tap. Then shaky, extra taps will not count. This one setting can make your phone feel so much calmer.
How to do it
iPhone: open Settings. Tap Accessibility. Tap Touch. Tap Touch Accommodations. Turn it on.
Then turn on Hold Duration. Now a tap only counts if you hold for a moment.
Also turn on Ignore Repeat. Now three fast shaky taps count as one.
Android: open Settings. Tap Accessibility. Look for Interaction controls (on Samsung it says Interaction and dexterity).
Turn on Touch and hold delay and Ignore repeated touches. Pick a longer time.
Names change a little on each phone. Not sure? Ask your helper the question in the green box.
Say or type this
I have an iPhone 13 (change this to your phone). My hands shake. What settings can I turn on so my phone ignores shaky taps? Tell me one step at a time.
Your one step today
Turn on Touch Accommodations (iPhone) or Ignore repeated touches (Android). Ask someone to help if you need to.
Tip 6
Stop the Phone From Erasing Your Words
On an iPhone, shaking the phone can erase what you just typed. A pop up will ask, Undo Typing? If your hands shake, this happens a lot. You can turn it off.
How to do it
Open Settings.
Tap Accessibility.
Tap Touch.
Find Shake to Undo. Turn it off.
Your one step today
Turn off Shake to Undo. It takes less than one minute.
Tip 7
Let the Table Hold It for You
Your hands do not have to hold the phone. Let something else do the work. Small changes make a big difference.
On your phone or tablet
Lay the phone flat on the table. Or put it in a phone stand. Stands are cheap at the store.
Rest your elbows on the table. Your hand will move less.
Use the side of your thumb or a knuckle to tap. Some people find that steadier.
Try a stylus pen with a thick, heavy grip. It is easier to hold than a skinny one.
A tablet like an iPad has bigger buttons. That helps a lot.
On your computer
Slow down the mouse arrow so it does not jump. Windows: Settings, then Bluetooth and devices, then Mouse, then make the pointer speed lower.
Mac: System Settings, then Mouse (or Trackpad), then move Tracking speed to the left.
A big trackball mouse can help. You roll the ball with your thumb and your hand stays still.
Your one step today
Pick one spot at your table. Set your phone there, flat or in a stand. That is your AI spot now.
Tip 8
Make the Words Bigger
Small words make your eyes tired. Big words make this easier and more fun.
On your phone or tablet
iPhone: open Settings. Tap Display and Brightness. Tap Text Size. Slide it to the right.
Android: open Settings. Tap Display. Tap Font size. Make it bigger.
On your computer
Windows: hold the Ctrl key and tap the plus key. The page grows. Ctrl and minus makes it smaller.
Mac: hold the Command key and tap the plus key.
Your one step today
Make your text one size bigger today. You can always change it back.
Part 3
Your Health
Health is the number one thing grown ups look up online. AI can help you understand your body, your medicine, and what your doctor said. It is like having a patient friend who explains things. But it is not your doctor. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before you change anything.
Tip 9
How to Make a Medication List With AI
Many of us take a lot of pills. It is hard to remember them all. A clear list helps you, your family, and every doctor you see. And you can just take a picture. No typing.
On your phone or tablet
Put all your pill bottles on the table.
Open the Claude app. Tap the plus button (or the camera) next to the message box.
Take a picture of the labels. You can take more than one.
Then say the words in the green box below.
Check the list against your bottles. AI can misread a label.
On your computer
Type each medicine name and how much you take.
Paste in the words below and send.
Say or type this
These are my medicines. Make me a simple chart with: the name, what it is for, how much I take, and what time I take it. Use big, simple words. Then tell me what questions I should ask my pharmacist.
Good to know: Never stop, start, or change a medicine because AI said so. Ask your doctor or pharmacist first.
Your one step today
Make your list. Save it as a PDF. Bring it to your next doctor visit.
Tip 10
Learn What Your Medicine Does in Your Body
You have a right to understand what you put in your body. AI can explain it in plain words. It can also tell you which side effects are common, so you know what to watch for.
How to do it
Open your helper.
Tap the sound wave button and just ask out loud. Or type it.
Say or type this
I take [medicine name]. In simple words, what does it do in my body? What are the common side effects? Which side effects mean I should call my doctor?
Say or type this
I take these medicines together: [list]. Are there any I should ask my pharmacist about taking together?
Good to know: Your pharmacist can check your whole list for problems for free. Ask them. AI can help you know what to ask.
Your one step today
Pick one medicine you take every day. Ask what it does. You will feel more in charge of your health.
Tip 11
Get Ready for the Doctor
Visits go fast. It is easy to forget what you wanted to ask. AI can help you make a short list before you go, so you walk out with answers.
How to do it
A few days before your visit, open your helper.
Say what is bothering you. Talk as long as you want.
Ask it to turn what you said into a short list.
Save it as a PDF or take a screenshot. Show it to your doctor.
Say or type this
I see my doctor on Tuesday. My knee hurts when I walk and it is worse in the morning. Help me make a short list of what to tell my doctor and what to ask. Keep it to one page.
Your one step today
Before your next visit, make your question list. Bring it with you.
Tip 12
Understand What the Doctor Wrote
Doctor notes and test results use big words. You can take a picture and ask your helper to explain it. You will understand your own body better.
On your phone or tablet
Take a picture of the paper or lab result.
Send it to your helper with the words below.
On your computer
Copy the words from your patient portal.
Paste them into your helper with the words below.
Say or type this
Please explain this to me in simple words. What does it mean? What questions should I ask my doctor about it?
Good to know: Cover or crop out your Social Security number and member ID numbers before you take the picture.
Your one step today
Next time you get a paper you do not understand, snap a picture and ask.
Tip 13
Ask for Gentle Help With Aches and Ailments
Stiff joints. Trouble sleeping. Shaky hands. AI can give you gentle, everyday ideas to feel better and help you know when to call your doctor.
How to do it
Tell your helper what is going on and what you already tried.
Ask for ideas that are safe for your age.
Say or type this
I am 72 and my hands shake. What are some simple tricks that make eating, drinking, and writing easier?
Say or type this
I have trouble falling asleep. Give me 5 gentle things I can try tonight. Nothing that needs a pill.
Say or type this
My hips are stiff in the morning. What are 3 easy stretches I can do sitting in a chair?
Good to know: Chest pain, trouble breathing, a face that droops, or sudden weakness? Do not ask AI. Call 911 right away.
Your one step today
Ask for one gentle tip for something that bothers you. Try it this week.
Part 4
Money and Paperwork
Bills, Medicare, Social Security, forms. So much paper! AI can explain it, help you plan, and help you write letters. It cannot see your bank. You are still in charge.
Tip 14
Medicare Explained in Simple Words
Medicare has a lot of parts and letters. A, B, C, D. AI can explain each one simply and help you know what to ask.
How to do it
Ask your question out loud or type it.
Ask follow up questions. There is no limit.
Say or type this
Explain Medicare Part A, B, C, and D to me in simple words. Use a short example for each one.
Say or type this
I got this letter from Medicare. What does it mean and do I need to do anything? [paste or take a picture]
Good to know: For your own plan, call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or your plan's number on your card. AI can help you write down what to ask.
Your one step today
Ask about the one Medicare part that confuses you most.
Tip 15
Make a Simple Money Plan
A clear plan takes the worry out of the month. You tell AI what comes in and what goes out. It makes a neat plan you can print.
How to do it
Say how much money comes in each month.
Say your bills one by one.
Ask for a simple plan.
Say or type this
Each month I get $1,400. My rent is $850, electric is $120, phone is $45, and car insurance is $95. Make me a simple monthly plan. Show me what is left for food and fun.
Your one step today
Make your plan. Save it as a PDF. Put it on the fridge.
Tip 16
Write Hard Letters the Easy Way
A letter to the landlord. A note to the insurance company. A card for a friend who is grieving. AI helps you find the right words.
How to do it
Say who the letter is for.
Say what you want to say, in your own words. Messy is fine.
Ask your helper to make it nice.
Say or type this
Help me write a polite but firm letter to my landlord. My kitchen sink has leaked for two weeks.
Say or type this
Help me write a sympathy card for my friend Linda. Her husband Bob passed away. They were married 50 years.
Your one step today
Think of one letter or card you have been putting off. Ask your helper to write it with you.
Part 5
Stay Safe From Scams
Scammers go after people over 60 more than anyone. The FBI says people 60 and older reported losing $7.7 billion to scams in 2025. That is not your fault. Scammers are tricky. But AI can be your scam checker.
Tip 17
How to Tell if a Text Is a Scam
Got a strange text, email, or call? Before you click or pay, ask your helper. It knows the tricks scammers use.
How to do it
Take a screenshot of the text or email. Or copy the words.
Send it to your helper with the words below.
Do not click any links in the message while you check.
Say or type this
Is this a scam? Tell me the warning signs you see and what I should do. Here it is: [paste or picture]
Your one step today
Next time a message feels off, check it with your helper first.
Tip 18
Never Share These Things
Treat AI like a helpful stranger. Kind, but a stranger. Some things stay private.
How to do it
Never type your Social Security number.
Never type bank or card numbers.
Never type passwords.
Never send pictures with those numbers showing.
Good to know: Real companies never ask you to pay with gift cards, crypto, or a wire. If someone does, it is a scam. Hang up and call a family member.
Your one step today
Say this rule out loud: My numbers stay with me.
Part 6
Honest Ways for Retirees to Earn Extra Money
You have a lifetime of skills. That is worth money. But here is the truth from me to you: if someone online says you can get rich fast and easy, it is a trick. Real extra money comes from small, honest steps. AI can help with every step.
Tip 19
Sell Things You No Longer Need
Old dishes, jewelry, tools, furniture. Someone wants them. AI can help you price them and write the post.
How to do it
Take a picture of the item.
Send it to your helper with the words below.
Copy the words it writes. Paste them into Facebook Marketplace.
Say or type this
Here is a picture of something I want to sell. What is it worth? Write me a short, honest Facebook Marketplace post for it.
Good to know: Meet buyers in a public place. Many police stations have a safe spot for this. Take cash. Never send money to a buyer.
Your one step today
Pick one thing in your home to sell. Ask your helper to write the post.
Tip 20
Turn Family Recipes Into a Little Book
Your recipes are treasures. AI can turn your notes into a pretty book. Give it to family or sell it online as a PDF.
How to do it
Take pictures of your recipe cards.
Send them to your helper.
Ask it to type them up neatly.
Say or type this
Here are my family recipes. Type each one neatly with a title, what you need, and the steps. Then tell me, step by step, how I could sell them as a small cookbook online.
Your one step today
Send your helper just one recipe today.
Tip 21
Get Paid for What You Know
Teaching, sewing, fixing, bookkeeping, pet care. People pay for help. AI can help you find honest ways to start, near home or online.
How to do it
Tell your helper what you are good at.
Tell it what you can and cannot do. Like, I can not drive at night.
Say or type this
I am retired. I was a school secretary for 30 years. I am organized and good with people. What are 5 honest ways I could earn a little extra from home or near home? Nothing that costs money to start.
Say or type this
I got this job offer. Is it real or a scam? [paste it]
Good to know: A real job never asks you to pay first, buy gift cards, or deposit a check and send money back.
Your one step today
Ask your helper for your 5 honest ideas. Circle one that sounds fun.
Part 7
Everyday Joy
AI is not just for problems. It can make your days more fun, too.
Tip 22
What Can I Make for Dinner?
Open the fridge. Tell your helper what you see. It gives you a simple meal idea. No shopping trip.
How to do it
Open your fridge. Take a picture.
Send it with the words below.
Say or type this
Here is what is in my fridge. Give me one easy dinner for one person. Short steps. Nothing that needs a lot of chopping.
Your one step today
Try it tonight.
Tip 23
Save Your Life Stories
Your stories are a gift to your family. Just talk. AI can turn your words into a story your grandkids can keep.
How to do it
Tap the sound wave button.
Tell a story from when you were young. Take your time.
Ask your helper to write it down nicely.
Say or type this
I want to save my life stories for my grandkids. Ask me one question at a time about my life. When I am done, write my answers as a short story.
Your one step today
Tell one story this week. Save it as a PDF and send it to family.
Tip 24
Keep Up With the Grandkids
Not sure what a word means? Want a gift idea? Want to know what they are into? Ask.
How to do it
Ask anything you are curious about. No question is silly.
Say or type this
My grandson is turning 16. He likes video games and basketball. Give me 5 gift ideas under $40.
Say or type this
My granddaughter texted me the word slay. What does it mean?
Your one step today
Ask one question about a grandchild's world. Surprise them with what you learn.
Part 8
Keep What It Tells You
You got a great answer. Now you want to keep it. Here are the easiest ways.
Tip 25
Save Any Answer
Pick the way that feels easiest. You only need one.
On your phone or tablet
Screenshot: iPhone with no home button, press the side button and volume up at the same time. iPhone with a home button, press the home button and side button. Android, press power and volume down.
Copy: under the answer, tap the copy button (two little squares). Open your Notes app. Tap and hold, then tap Paste.
Ask your helper: Please make this into a page I can print. Then save or print it.
On your computer
Click the copy button under the answer. Open a Word or Google document. Hold Ctrl and press V (on a Mac, Command and V). Save it.
Print it: hold Ctrl and press P (Mac: Command and P). Pick your printer, or pick Save as PDF.
Make a folder on your computer called My AI Answers. Keep your saved pages there.
Your one step today
Save one answer today, any way you like.
Tip 26
Keep Your Chats in Folders
Claude and ChatGPT both have Projects. A Project is like a notebook. Your health questions go in one. Your recipes go in another. Your chats stay together, so you can find them later.
On your phone or tablet
Tap the menu (three lines, top left).
Tap Projects. Tap the plus to make a new one.
Name it something simple, like Health or Recipes.
Open that Project before you ask a question about that topic.
On your computer
On the left side of claude.ai, click Projects.
Click New Project. Give it a name.
Start new chats inside it.
Good to know: If you do not see Projects, that is OK. Saving with screenshots or PDFs works just as well.
Your one step today
Make one Project called Health. Put your medicine list chat in it.
What AI Cannot Do
AI is a great helper. But it is not perfect. Keep these in mind.
It can be wrong. Check health and money answers with a real doctor, pharmacist, or trusted person.
It cannot see your private things. It does not see your bank, your medical records, or your email unless you show it.
It cannot do things for you. It can write a letter. You still send it. It can make a plan. You still pay the bills.
It is not a person. It is a tool. Call your kids. Hug your grandkids. Visit your friends. People are for loving.
Your First Five Minutes
Do this right now. That is all you need to do today.
Get the Claude app on your phone, or go to claude.ai on your computer.
Sign up with your email.
Tap the sound wave button, or tap the message box.
Say: Hi. I am new to this. Talk to me in short, simple words, one step at a time. What are 3 ways you can help me in my everyday life?
Try one of its ideas. Then save the answer.
That is it. You just used AI. Tomorrow, come back and ask something new.
You are never too old to learn something new.
You just proved it.
Know someone who would love this? Share it with them. Sometimes the best gift is showing someone how to make life a little easier.